Corrupt transactions in employment

I work in a mid‑sized logistics company in Dar es Salaam. For months, I’ve noticed something troubling. My supervisor insists that before any promotion or training opportunity is approved, employees must ‘appreciate’ him with cash or gifts. At first, I thought it was just harmless office culture, but it has become systematic. Those who pay get promoted quickly, while those who refuse are sidelined. Recently, I was denied a training program that could have advanced my career, even though I met all the qualifications. Later, a colleague confided that he had paid TZS 500,000 to secure his slot. I feel humiliated and trapped. If I report this, I fear retaliation or losing my job. If I stay silent, I may never progress. What does the law say about this kind of corruption in employment, and how can I protect myself? Please guide me.

EM, Dar es Salaam

Your experience is unfortunately becoming common, but the law is firmly on your side. What you describe amounts to corruption, which is prohibited under the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act, Cap. 329 [R.E. 2023] (the PCCA). The situation you have described is a corrupt transaction in employment, which is prohibited under section 20 of the PCCA. The section provides that a person who offers an advantage to another person as an inducement to or reward for or otherwise on account of such another person’s giving assistance or using influence in or having given assistance or used influence to assist in obtaining employment, promotion or any other matter relating to employment, commits an offence of corruption.

Further, a person who solicits or accepts any advantage as an inducement to or reward for or otherwise on account of his giving assistance or using influence in, or having given assistance or used influence to assist in obtaining of employment, promotion or any other matter relating to employment, commits an offence of corruption.  A person convicted of an offence under this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding TZS 5M or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.

Remember, you have the right to work in an environment free from corruption and discrimination. Tanzania’s legal system encourages reporting corruption through the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). Further, retaliation against whistle-blowers is itself unlawful, so do not be afraid to report (if this is really happening at the company).  To protect yourself, document these demands and lodge a formal complaint with HR or a compliance officer, if available. If no action is taken, you may proceed to report to the PCCB confidentially. Consult your lawyer for further guidance on the reporting processes.